About Me

Monday, 31 August 2009

On this day in 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales, died in a car crash in Paris. She was taken to hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning where surgeons tried for two hours to save her life but she died at 0300 BST.

The accident happened after the princess left the Ritz Hotel in the French capital with her companion, Dodi Al Fayed - son of Harrods owner, Mohammed Al Fayed. Dodi Al Fayed and the vehicle's driver were also killed in the collision in a tunnel under the Place del'Alma in the centre of the city.The princess' Mercedes car was apparently being pursued at high speed by photographers on motorbikes when it hit a pillar and smashed into a wall. Mr Al Fayed and the chauffeur died at the scene but the princess and her bodyguard were cut from the wreckage and rushed to hospital.

In a statement Buckingham Palace said the Queen and the Prince of Wales were "deeply shocked and distressed." Prince Charles broke the news of their mother's death to Princes William and harry at Balmoral Castle in Scotland where the royal family had been spending the summer.

The French authorities began a criminal investigation and questioned seven photographers.

Tributes poured in from around the world. Speaking from his home in South Africa, the princess' brother, Lord Charles Spencer, said his had been "unique." While it was not the time for recrimination there was no doubt the press had played a part in her death, the earl added.

Hundreds of mourners gathered at the princess' London home, Kensington Palace and many laid flowers at the gate.

Only Princess Diana's bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones, survived the crash. Blood tests showed the driver, Henri Paul, had taken both drugs and a large amount of alcohol before the accident.

The royal family was criticised for its reserve during a time when there was an unprecedented national outpouring of grief. Around one million people lined the streets to see the princess' funeral cortege as it made its way to Westminster Abbey in early September.

No charges were brought against the paparazzi who had been pursuing the princess' car.

It would have been Michael Jackson's 51st birthday last Saturday, and fans around the world marked the occasion with parties and mass dances. In Mecico City organisers said they had broken a record for the most people dancing to 'Thriller' at the same time, reporting that 12,937 people turned up.To join in the celebrations, click on the video link below:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8229124.stm

News Roundup takes a quick look at items of interest seen in the news during the last 7 days.Artificial LifeformsA US team of scientific researchers under the direction of controversial team leader Dr Craig Ventner are just months away from making a synthetic organism. The first artificial life form is likely to be a simple man-made bacterium that proves the technology can work.Researchers at the J Craig Ventner Institute in Maryland claim this would lead to more complex bacteria that turns coal into clean natural gas, or algae that can soak up carbon dioxide and convert it into fuels. Mind boggling stuff!Hidden Cost Of School UniformsSchools minister, Ian Wright, has accused some schools of inflating the cost of school uniforms by forcing parents to buy from from one supplier. Research suggested parents are paying £45 million a year over the odds because of 'sweetheart' deals between schools and suppliers, whereby the school get a share of the profits. I think we shall hear more on this scandal.The Other Side Of The LawClarissa Dickson-Wright, one half of the motorcycling cookery duo, the 'Two Fat Ladies', together with race horse trainer Sir Mark Prescott, have been charged with attending events where hare coursing takes place and will appear in court tomorrow. The action has been brought by the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Clarissa, who was the youngest woman ever to be called to the Bar, will now find herself on the opposite side of the law.Enough To Drive You To DrinkPolish lorry driver SlawomirJablonski swigged so much vodka as he drove along the M20 motorway from Dover to London that he was 'comatose' when police found him.Motorway police went to the stationary lorry thinking it had broken down, but reeled back from the stench of alcohol as they opened the cab door.Mind you, Britain's motorways are enough to drive anyone to drink.

Today's brainteaser is a general knowledge 'Trivia' to test your Bank Holiday brain cells. Fairly easy, see how you get on.01 In which country did golf originate?02 Where is the Grand Canyon?03 With what campaign is the name of Mrs Pankhurst associated?04 What was the title of the ruler of Persia?05 On what day of the year are pancakes usually eaten?06 To whom was Shakespeare's character Desdemona married?07 Who sailed to America in the 'Mayflower'?08 What do the initials G.M.T. stand for?09 Which is the earths smallest continent?10 Which building besides the River Thames was once a royal residence and has a famous maze?Good luck! Answers in tomorrows Journal.